Yamaha YBR125 or Honda CBF125

[benjihubbs]

Hi Guys,

I'm getting a new 125 until I pass my test (and probably beyond, seeing as it's coming out of my 250 fund!) Now I've narrowed it down to either the YBR or the CBF, but I can't really choose between the two.

The YBR is more my sort of bike, but I prefer Honda in general and have found them to be better all-rounders. The YBR have a better top speed, but lack any sort of form of front screen, plus there isn't a yamaha dealers for about 30 miles (Honda is just round the corner)

Anyone on here have any thoughts on either bike?

Ben

[daemonoid]

No thoughts on either bike, but what happened to the ns125? Can't you replace the parts that have 'blown up'?
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current: ducati monster 750
past: hyosung gt250r, bajaj pulsar 180, hyosung gt 125 comet
@thomasgarrard | www.straitjkt.com | www.racingseven.com

[symonh2000]

The YBR can be had with a front screen.

Out of the two I would choose the YBR, they seem to be a bit better bike from what I have read here.


I would try and get the NS125 running though, if you decide to sell it as a runner you will get much more for it.
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[numpty2]

I think the CBF125 is reckoned to be a better bike, but it has a fair few very unhappy owners. It all seems to come down to build quality. Most CBF125s are good, but some appear to be terrible. You might be one of the unlucky ones.

I think the YBR is more trustworthy. It's also go a proper oil filter, I think.

YBR is smaller though. Take a look at this excellent site for a comparison:
https://cbf125rider.wordpress.com/ye-olde-ybr125/#comment-294

especially reply posted on 22nd April

[MCW]

Why does it have to be a new one? Especially as you are saving pennies for your next one?

[Tomzo47]

yeah i wouldn't bother with a new one, most 125s were bought new, then sold 6 months later as the buyer passed their tests and bought a bigger one
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Ybr 125 > Bandit 650SA > GSXR 600 > Triumph Sprint St1050 > CB1300 > Z1000SX + FJ1200 (written off) > VFR750 >FJ1200

[Rogerborg]

The depreciation on a new 125 is about the same as a taught course and test fees. Be smart, eh?
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Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[symonh2000]

I think people should buy new bikes.



Otherwise there won't be any good used ones at sensible prices for the rest of us.


If you like a bit of a gamble, are handly with spanners and absolutely must have new then a Chinese bike could make sense.

For arguements sake you bought a new Lexmoto Street for £1150 OTR

In about 6 months it would probably be worth about £800 or so.

I am sure you would loose more than £350 on a new CBF or YBR over the same period.
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Four strokes is two strokes too many.

[Spy]

I was in a similar position to you. I went and viewed a number of CBFs and YBRs but always found the build quality lacking in some way. Even a year old/3k miles CBF I saw was showing signs of rust on the thin metal they seem to be built from.

If you want something less common and a bit different you shoudl consider the Suzuki Van Van (RV125). Unlike the YBR and CBF, the VV is built in Japan.

It has a lower seat height than the CBF, like the YBR but a far more comfortable seat. It's big chunky tyres soak up potholes etc and can go off-road as well if you really wanted.

The VV also has a big enthusiast following over here: https://suzukivanvan.forumandco.com/

As you can imagine from my post, I plumped for the VV in the end

[tom_m]

if you have the money upfront to buy a cheap runaround, like a honda cg, or a second hand ybr. then i would do that.

speaking from experience as i thought it would be a good idea to buy a brand new ybr back in may. now its the end of november and i passed my full test less than a week ago. all i have done since i passed is kick myself in the head knowing that im stuck on a 125.

im not sure about the honda but the ybr only goes 55-60 on a decent straight, 55 with the girlfriend on the back, anyone who tells you different is talking utter shat.
As for screen, you can get a small tinted fly screen for the ybr, 'Iain' (think thats his name) has one on here, they look alright too.
Reliability wise, ive done 6,500 miles on mine since may, and its never let me down once, done all the servicing myself which is very cheap and easy, the standard tyres are shit though so you will probably need to change them for michelin pilot sportys, all ive had to change is front brake pads, and putting new chain/sprockets on her next weekend, but think that is down to the stock ones being cheap/crap. stuck an osram nightbreaker headlight bulb, again because the standard one is terrible, and some heated grips for the winter (cos im a pussy )
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Current: 2005 Kawasaki Er-5 C5P
Past: 2012 Yamaha Ybr 125, 2004 Yamaha Neos 50, 1994 Suzuki Gn 125, 2005 Aprilia Sportcity 125, 1988 Yamaha Tzr 125
Theory: Passed... Mod 1: Passed 22/08/12 Mod 2: Passed 22/10/12

[Frog]

Looks like it's the same bike!

[Mark 37]

I have the cbf, I'm 5'8" and 12 & 1/2 stone. The cbf will do 60mph with me on it. If there's no wind blowing in your face then you can easily get the 69mph that Honda claim. Its quite nippy for a bike it's size through 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears (if you want to drive that way). 5th gear is only really there for when you have your speed up on dual carriageways and want to be economical on fuel.

Most people who see it, think its a bigger bike than it actually is, so I would say it has road presence compared to some 125's.

I have rust on the rear brake lever and the gear lever, I've put that down to the first owner not drying the bike off after use.

If you go for a CBF then I would cover these levers in ACF-50 for your own piece of mind, (prevention is better than cure).

Longest journey so far was 140 mile round trip, after about 110 miles it started to become a little uncomfortable.

My only real complaint about 125's, if your overtaking something on the dual carriageway at about 40-50mph you need about 200 yards to complete the overtake.

Good luck with your choice and be sure to tell us what you went for.

Regards,

Mark
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No matter how fast light travels, darkness was always their first.

[Rogerborg]

[Mark 37]

72mph.
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No matter how fast light travels, darkness was always their first.

[DonDino]

[Ribenapigeon]

Its sounds like you have experience riding so why not just spend the money on a DAS course seeings we are so near Jan 19 2013.

[Mark 37]

I believe my speedo to be quite accurate because my sat nav reads 68-69 when the speedo hits 70 or above. When I'm just under 30 I get smiley faces reading 27-28mph. When speedo says 34 I usually get a sad face saying 32-33mph.
____________________
No matter how fast light travels, darkness was always their first.

[Rogerborg]

Well, fair enough. The fancy pants electromenomic speedo on my Lifan is bang on accurate: first vehicle I've ever owned that's been so.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike